Alderson continuing dialogue amid market lull

NEW YORK -- In the five days since returning from the Winter Meetings, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said that baseball's outfield market has remained "status quo." While talks continue around the league, not much of substance has happened, including the Mets' desire to trade outfielder Jay Bruce.

"We've continued to have dialogue with free-agent representatives, as well as with teams on trade possibilities," Alderson said Tuesday at the Mets' holiday party at Citi Field. "And we will continue to do so through the holidays and into January and so forth, depending on what transpires."

NEW YORK -- In the five days since returning from the Winter Meetings, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said that baseball's outfield market has remained "status quo." While talks continue around the league, not much of substance has happened, including the Mets' desire to trade outfielder Jay Bruce.

"We've continued to have dialogue with free-agent representatives, as well as with teams on trade possibilities," Alderson said Tuesday at the Mets' holiday party at Citi Field. "And we will continue to do so through the holidays and into January and so forth, depending on what transpires."

When asked if that means the Mets could take all four of Bruce, Michael Conforto, Curtis Granderson and Yoenis Cespedes into spring camp with them, Alderson painted that scenario as unlikely.

"There are very few trades that are made in Spring Training," Alderson said. "There are some that are made in Spring Training. But I think the idea that you're going to make a big deal in Spring Training would be a little unusual. But at the same time, we've got lots of time between now and the beginning of Spring Training as well."

In addition to trading Bruce, the Mets aim to sign one or two relievers to Major League deals before the start of Spring Training.